God in the details
Two weeks after the beginning of our search for a home, we were negotiating a lease with a potential new landlord. It was the day before our deadline to find a home, because our lease in Phnom Penh is ending soon. The house to which we were about to commit felt slightly overpriced for the market, and it needed some TLC. Still, it had enough positives for us to believe we could make it a home for a season.
In the search for a home we had prayed for the Lord to lead us to a neighbourhood where we could bring the light of the Gospel, and enough space to host people in our home. We had other desires, but we held them loosely:
- We hoped for a yard, and a space to have a small garden. I was really hoping for some fruit trees on the property. specifically, a mango tree and banana plants were on my heart.
- Steve was hoping for a place to set up a basketball net.
That day, as we were sitting down with our potential new landlords discussing a contract, we were interrupted by Steve’s phone which started to ‘ding ding ding’ with a new listing alert. This intensified our lack of peace with this lease. We requested more time to think and we went to visit the listed house that interrupted our negotiations, to find out it was not a good fit. Time was short with only one day left to sign a lease.
That evening, an agent informed us of a brand a new listing on the market. We decided we would give this last listing a chance on the morning of the deadline and then a decision really had to be made.
In the morning of the deadline, I prayed once more and told the Lord: “I really desire to hear from you about this home search. I want to be where you want us to be.” Then I started to read my Bible where I left off in the book of Ezekiel. I read about a vision of the specific measurements of the temple which was to be rebuilt. It’s 3 chapters full of numbers. Not really knowing what to make of this passage I asked the Lord: “what can I learn about you in these verses?” The thought that came to mind was that our Lord is a God of specificity. He cares about the details. I shared this with Steve who was also praying for clarity, and we went to the last house viewing.
Within 5 minutes of our arrival to this last listing, on the day of our deadline, we knew that this was the house that the Lord had planned out for us. It has plenty of room to host people, a landlord which priced their rental home fairly and seem very helpful and friendly, there is a yard and space for a small garden. To top it off, there is space for a basketball net and guess what? A mango tree and banana plants!
We are thrilled! Filled with joy about this new home. What a gift!
God doesn’t have to give His children all that they ask for, and yet we are experiencing His lavish generosity right down to the details. We were prevented from entering into a lease where we didn't have full peace and led into one we are so excited about, and right on time!
We are so grateful for many of you who have been praying with us for the Lord’s guidance in this. Thank you! Your prayers encouraged us. God heard them and provided with such goodness.
|